Birth rates steadily rise each year in Mecklenburg County

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Lauren McCotter just gave birth to her daughter Olivia in Charlotte on Sunday.

The McCotters are going home to be joined by their 3-year-old son, and soon another family with a new addition will be in the same room at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

"This year we're probably going to see 9,000 births at Novant Health," said Pat Campbell, vice president of Women's Services at Novant.

The rate of births at Novant has been steadily increasing year-by-year.

About 8,700 babies were born in 2016 and 8,500 were born in 2015.

And it's not just Novant.

Channel 9 checked Mecklenburg County's overall population spike to see if there's a baby boom everywhere.

Last year in the county, there were close to 15,000 births, up from 14,000 in 2013.

Campbell said they have adjusted to handle the increase.

"There are days when, you know, you may expect 20 births here at Presbyterian Medical Center and you have 26 or 30,” Campbell said.

Hospital officials said they have the resources to handle the influx, but a few of the challenges include juggling staff and hospital rooms.

"That volume increase we have to flex and bring in staff,” Campbell said.

Novant surveys many of its patients, and many new parents are new to the area.

Among the top reasons for why they chose Charlotte, job opportunities.

Hospital officials don't see it slowing down any time soon.

"It, just again, tells you a lot about the city of Charlotte and the surrounding area,” Campbell said.

Cox Media Group